First Project - Jewelry Chest for my Mom's 70th Birthday

[smokeaterc]

I've been lurking around this board getting tips since the beginning of this year after my wife gave me the sears 21829 TS for Christmas last year (your web site was a deciding factor on that). Since the beginning of February I've been working nights and weekends on this jewelry chest to give to my Mom for her 70th birthday. It's made from some walnut that my Dad (deceased) rough cut over 25 years ago. I finished the project at 1AM the morning of her celebration and she loved it ! This was my first "real" woodworking project and I loved doing it ! I'm just getting started, but I'm hooked. Thanks for this web site and thanks for helping me to complete this gift with all your tips . Here's a link to the project page of my web site if your interested in some of the details on the project experience.

http://cconklin61.googlepages.com/kyserikekraftsmanplannedprojects2

A photo of the completed gift is attached ..

Chris

[LCHIEN]

very, very nice first project. Love Walnut, its great that the walnut you used has some connection to your father, a family tie, so to speak.

your mother must be very pleased.

[smokeaterc]

Thanks for the comments ... yes .. Mom was very pleased and touched with both the gift and the use of the wood that had been in the family so long (and moved 4 different times in 2 different states).

[Knottscott]

Impressive! She's gonna love it!

[Brian in Dawson Creek]

Real nice project, the wood makes it all that much more special for sure.

Brian

[Pappy]

First 'real' project or not, that is nice work! The source of the walnut makes it even more special.

[John Hunter]

Very nice!

[mater]

That is beautiful work. I agree with Loring that the connection to your father will make it an extra special gift.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Chris:

Welcome! Your mom is a lucky woman, and so are you. The chest and it's history are the perfect gift.

You cheated yourself by posting only one picture. I enjoyed the pics in your link. Even though it took extra time to build, I'm sure the prototype saved you time in the long run and helped work out the kinks.

Best birthday wishes to your mom.

- Lonnie

[SARGE..g-47]

I wish I could say my first project in 1972 looked as nice as yours.. But it wasn't are the facts. Not only is is nice.. it is excellent work from the picture. If any chance of getting a few detail pics of the drawer fronts and base, it would be appreciated. If too much trouble or not convenient.. no big deal.

BTW.. for a first timer, you did an excellent job on the base. That is not easy to pull off at an entry level.

Well done and welcome as the committee has already suggested...

[smokeaterc]

Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement. There are quite a few more pictures on my web site, but I will include one here of the interior. I lined the wings, carcase sides, and a few of the drawers with some burgundy velvet.

[smokeaterc]

For Sarge ... here's a couple of pictures of the drawers and base. I didn't find the base too difficult. I had a pattern for the curves which I cut out using a jig saw, and then routered the edges ... same with the drawer fronts . cut to size on the TS and then a simple router of the edges.

[jhart]

Very impressive. Wish I could say my first major project turned out as nice as that, but it wasn't even close. You did a great job. Congrats.

[leehljp]

That is NICE! Glad you are 'hooked' on woodworking now! Keep it up and keep posting great projects like that!

[JR]

First project, indeed! What a beauty!

The connection to your father on your Mother's birthday is a wonderful aspect of this piece.

Congratulations on a job well done.
JR